Areas and suburbs in Mumbai

Luckily, for many the task of deciding where to live in the sprawling city of Mumbai is taken care of by their employer. For those going it alone, however, finding accommodation in this metropolis can be both incredibly rewarding and equally frustrating. As one of the most diverse cities in India, there is an astonishing breadth of areas and suburbs in Mumbai to choose from.

The most important factor in choosing where to live is proximity to work and to schools, if children are involved. Commuting in Mumbai can be a hassle - traffic is horrendous and not everyone has the gumption to brave the local trains and buses.

Many apartments are controlled by housing societies. These societies can be based on religion, and residents might be required to be of that same religion or be respectful of a particular religion’s customs, such as not drinking alcohol in a Muslim housing society. The strictness of the societies varies.

Areas and suburbs in Mumbai for expats

Bandra West
Known as the Queen of Suburbs, Bandra is a popular home for expats as well as Bollywood stars. It is widely accepted as one of the most cosmopolitan areas of the city; single women, co-ed friends and mixed couples won’t have as much of an issue finding housing here, unlike some more conservative areas of Mumbai. One of the most sought-after areas in Bandra is the Pali Hill neighbourhood. Its winding lanes are home to buildings with gates and security. The area is mostly residential, but shops and restaurants are just a short walk away.

Another well-known area is Mount Mary, which is home to the famous Mount Mary Basilica and one of the largest Catholic populations in the city. Carter Road is yet another famous residential area - a promenade where all buildings look out onto the Arabian Sea. Bandra is the southernmost suburb on the Western rail. Rickshaws populate the narrow streets, but they are not allowed south of the suburb. Still, the black and yellow taxis are easy to find, and are more than willing to take passengers into South Mumbai.

Khar West

If Bandra life is too busy, try heading a little father up north to Khar, the next stop on the Western Railway. The rent tends to be cheaper and the traffic a little more manageable. A Chicago chain of Mexican restaurants, Taco Fresca, has opened its first international store in this neighbourhood. The fashionable Linking Road shopping corridor extends up into Khar.

Andheri

Andheri is the largest suburb in Mumbai. What was once just a sprawling series of residences is now becoming a trendy area with popular restaurants and shopping centres. The Lokhandwala Complex is one of the largest residential complexes in the suburb and is close to the new Infiniti shopping mall.

Andheri’s train station is one of the busiest and most hectic in the city - just try getting on a southbound train during the morning rush. This means trains come fast and often, but the crush of people might be too much for some expats to handle.

Juhu

Juhu is a small, but fashionable neighbourhood located just south of Andheri and next to the Arabian Sea. The area is home to lots of high-end hotels with swanky restaurants and trendy boutiques. Locals flock to Juhu beach on Sunday evenings for a stroll along the waterfront.

Powai

This township, in Mumbai’s central suburbs, is built entirely by Hiranandani Constructions and is completely planned, making it feel more Western than the crowded suburbs. The developer also included hospitals, schools, public parks and playgrounds in the plans. Although the area lacks a typically Indian feel, grocery stores, coffee shops and three-story shopping malls are all located within.

South Mumbai

South Mumbai is one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world, and apartments here are incredibly difficult to find. Some of the most popular and expensive neighbourhoods are Cuffe Parade – home to the Ambani family of Reliance Industries, the largest private company in India – Breach Candy, Kemps Corner, Mahalaxmi and Worli. South Mumbai is the heart of the city, and gorgeous architecture from the British era still dominates the scene.